What to Expect: SDCC Preparation for May 2016

It’s now May, and that means in 80 days, San Diego Comic-Con will be upon us. Are you prepared? Well, alright, no one is probably ever completely prepared, but your best option for ensuring you make the most of the behemoth that is Comic-Con is keeping up with the important information. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you can expect over the next month:

Exclusive Announcements

May will be a big month in the world of exclusives for most of the major companies. We already have our first looks at the first two Comic-Con exclusives from both Hasbro, Square Enix and Hallmark, but we’re expecting more from Hasbro (who gave us the full look of their Transformers exclusive last May), as well as some announcements from companies like Mattel (whose announcements started on May 7 last year), Bandai, Entertainment Earth, and many others. It’s probably too early for Funko exclusives, though we have heard that there will be some Powerpuff Pop!’s this year.

Panel News

Those who applied to hold a panel during Comic-Con typically hear back in either late May or early June. We’re very likely to keep getting announcements all the way through May — last year at this time we saw confirmations about appearances from Doctor Who, iZombie, Hannibal (though that, unfortunately, will obviously not be back this year), SpongeBob SquarePants, Con Man, and many more.

Parking Permit Sales

Ace Parking’s parking permit sales will kick off on May 2, in groups that were assigned in this year’s lottery system. Last year’s sale was pretty seamless – no issues with load times, purchases, or anything in the process, which is a feat in itself in the world of Comic-Con sales. If you weren’t so lucky in the lottery, all remaining inventory will go back on sale after each group has purchased. And yes, there was remaining inventory last year, so fear not.

Hotel Resale/Waitlist

The San Diego Comic-Con General Hotel always has a few unlucky folks each year who don’t score a hotel. But with the cancellation deadline now over (it ended on April 30), rooms will open up. That means there’s a higher likelihood that you could hear back if you’re on the waitlist, or that we’ll see the hotel resale open up in the next few weeks (though the resale doesn’t typically include downtown hotels).

More News, More Features

We know we say this every year, but the news just seems to keep coming faster than ever. But we know from experience, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet — May is the start of the true news season for SDCC. Expect all sorts of booth, offsite event, panel, and other information to be announced fast and furiously from here on out, and we’ll be on top of it all to be your number one source for all-things SDCC!

Is there anything in particular you would like us to cover or want to know more about for SDCC? Let us know in the comments, drop us a line or tweet us at @SD_Comic_Con.

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The San Diego-Comic Con Unofficial Blog aims to be the leading destination for preparing attendees for all aspects of the convention, as well as capturing the sights, sounds and essence of the entire convention experience.